Svinalängorna (novel)

Svinalängorna is a Swedish novel written by Susanna Alakoski, published in 2006. The title literally translates to "The Pig Rows" or "The Pig Yards," referring to the rows of standardized, often low-quality housing built in Sweden during the 1960s and 70s as part of the "Million Programme" (Miljonprogrammet).

The novel tells the story of Leena, a young woman confronting her difficult childhood in a working-class neighborhood in southern Sweden. It explores themes of poverty, alcoholism, violence, social stigma, and the impact of these issues on families, particularly children. The narrative shifts between Leena's present life and her memories of growing up with an alcoholic Finnish mother and a disconnected Swedish father.

Svinalängorna was a critical and commercial success in Sweden. It won the August Prize, a prestigious Swedish literary award, in 2006. The novel has been translated into multiple languages and has been adapted into a successful film, also titled Svinalängorna (released internationally as Beyond the Backyard). The film adaptation further broadened the novel's audience and reinforced its impact on discussions about social inequality and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. The novel's raw and honest portrayal of difficult subject matter resonated with readers and contributed to a broader dialogue about the legacy of the Million Programme and its social consequences.